NHTSA is undertaking a modernization effort to upgrade the National Automotive Sampling System (NASS) by improving the information technology (IT) infrastructure, updating and prioritizing the data collected, reselecting the sample sites and sample sizes, re-examining the electronic formats in which the crash data files are made available to the public, and improving data collection methods and quality control procedures, among other activities. This project is called the Data Modernization (DataMod) Project.

NHTSA has reached the next phase of the design and held a public listening session on July 18, 2013, to solicit information and comments on: (a) adding, deleting or changing the current NASS data elements for DataMod, and; (b) recommendations for changing or improving the NASS data collection methodology.

On June 21, 2012, NHTSA published a Federal Register notice (77 FR 37471-72) soliciting comments from NASS users on the current data elements, proposed new data elements, suggestions on the research design and data collection protocol for the modernized study, and any other ideas NHTSA should consider to improve crash data. To see the comments that were submitted, please go to http://www.regulations.gov and search for docket number, NHTSA-2012-0084.